Engagement and characteristics of queer students

Abstract

Research shows there are differences in the college experience for queer students. Sexual orientation impacts academic experiences, intellectual development, and student perceptions of campus climate. This session will explore the participation of nearly 800 queer first-year and seniors students in activities that promote learning and development at ten institutions. Additional demographics and characteristics of queer students as well as patterns of engagement in activities such as reflective and integrative learning, student-faculty interaction, and high-impact practices. Although some comparison will be made to straight students at Canadian institutions and queer students at institutions in the US, the focus of this discussion will be on queer students at Canadian institutions. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on and discuss the engagement of queer students in different contexts and what that means for efforts to increase or maintain a high level of engagement for queer students in courses and across institutions.